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Thursday, December 31, 2015

December 2015 Empties! (and some Tosses too!) with mini reviews!

Woo hoo - Garbage Time!!! Time to dig through and see what I liked and what I did not!

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream ~ sample (full size is $45). A universal daily moisturizer formulated with a proprietary Super 7 Complex that’s proven to provide 24 hours of significant moisture.I think this was an add on sample to one of my Sephora orders. This was fine, nothing special. I wasn't a huge fan of the texture - it felt a little paste-y for me.Repurchase: Likely notCleansing and Makeup Removing Towlette ~ sample. Alcohol free. Moisturizes.Conditions.This was actually a free hotel sample where I stayed over Christmas - it was good, I had to use it as a back up to the wipe I brought because mine didn't work very well.Repurchase: No, but I would use it againOrigins GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream ~ sample (full size $38). A clinically-proven eye cream that instantly de-puffs and reduces dark circles. I received this in a swap and it was good, I liked it. But in terms of eye cream, it was nothing special.Repurchase: Probably not, I have no loyalty to eye creams.. LA Fresh - Be Good. Good Day. Day Moisturizer~ sample size 15g for $12 (full size is 50g for $40). This highly natural day moisturizer provides ample hydration and helps bring back a fresher & happier looking skin appearance. Made with collagen-producing peptides, super-hydrating hyaluronic acid, natural cucumber, aloe, antioxidant panthenol (Vitamin B), Vitamin C & E and a natural anti-aging botanical complex of maqui berry, licorice root, ginko leaf, grape seed and hickory bark.This made my favorites post in August - I loved it! On that note though, I used the little bit I had left over the transition to Winter and it was not as good on my skin - this will stay a summer moisturizer! Repurchase: Eventually for the summer, I still have another sample to use! THEFACESHOP Mild Papaya Peeling ~ sample size (full size $17.00). Get clear, flawless looking skin with this papaya scrub. Gentle on the skin, it efficiently removes impurities and dead skin cells that clog pores.I love peels so I have finally used one of my samples from The Face Shop. I loved this peel - it went on smooth and was very gentle coming off - it made my skin look great! Repurchase: yes, luckily I just got a great sample size for Christmas! THEFACESHOP Mango Seed Cleansing Foam~ sample (full size $14). This moisturizing cleansing foam helps eliminate impurities without drying skin. Enriched with mango seeds, it is perfect to nourish dry skin.This was good - I thought it was nice and gentle, but nothing special!Repurchase: maybe, nothing really stand out about it - I would try it again though.Fruits and Passion - Pomegranate And Collagen Sleeping Mask ~ sample (full size $15). This Sleeping Mask contains pomegranate extracts, antioxidant, and collagen known for its firming properties.I actually quite liked this sleeping mask - it made my skin feel awesome the next morning! Repurchase: Maybe, by the time I get through my stock pile of sleeping masks, it could be a long time...

Sephora Collection - Eye Makeup Remover Wipes ~ sample (full size $11 for $20 wipes). A set of wipes that leave your eyes thoroughly cleansed. So I'm usually a big fan of the Sephora Collection, but their makeup removers have not impressed me at all! This wasn't very good.Repurchase: NoJuicy Bamboo Natural Facial Cleansing Cloths ~ $1 for 1 cloth (3 cloths for $3). Natural face cleaning cloths infused with vitamins and refreshing essential oils.I received this in a swap and I actually quite liked it - I don't find that cleansing cloths are my favorite way of removing makeup in general - they just don't do as thorough of a job as I like! Repurchase: Maybe, I wouldn't go out of my way to buy them again, but I would use them againAltchek MD Depuff Eye Pads ~ $2 for 1 set ($20 for 10 sets). Eye Gel Pads help reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness while hydrating the sensitive and fragile skin under the eyes. It is a perfect treatment before a night out.I liked these eye masks - they adhered well and lasted for a long time! Repurchase: ProbablyThe History of Whoo UI: Gold Peel Off Mask~ individual size approx 2ml for $1.38 (full size is 80 ml for $55) The Peel off mask to exfoliate dead skin cell and the gold flakes will make the skin glowing and shining.I also just featured this on my monthly mask post, so this will be quick - I wasn't a huge fan as my skin felt too dry and tight after using.Repurchase: NoYes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Wipes ~ 10 count for $2.99. These all-natural and hypoallergenic wipes and made with soothing ingredients like cucumbers, green tea, and aloe. They fit right into your purse, gym bag or even your TSA size clear plastic bag! Regardless of where you are (let's imagine Hawaii) your skin will feel gorgeous, hydrated, smooth and most of all refreshed!These are highly reviewed, but seriously I could hardly finish these 10 wipes - the smell is terrible. I can't even remember if they worked or not because I could not get over the smell.Repurchase: No

Too Cool For School Fresh Gore Sleeping Pack ~ sample (full size is $13.39). Offering a cream transfused with the secret Beauty of vampires! This sleeping pack works its magic while you sleep.The branding of this mask is awesome and it is orange/red and gel like in texture! I bought a few of these cute little samples and they last 2-3 uses! I liked this!Repurchase: LikelyHanaka Camellia Powder Wash ~ 2 packs for $2.26 (pack of 7 for $7.90). Renewing the skin and purifying the pore effectively sweep away impurities and perfectly balanced for all skin types. Deeply cleanser the complexion.These are handy little travel packs - I brought them on my quick Christmas trip. They work well and are lightly exfoliating! Repurchase: Maybe - I did like them, but my stock pile of cleansers is currently insane! Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream ~ sample (full size is $21). Full of collagen to maintain healthy, wrinkle-free skin. Snail cream that preserves youth & prevents aging.I really liked this cream from the sample I tried! It had a great texture and went on well and I really like Cosrx products overall.Repurchase: Yes, I would like to try more!Su:m37 Flawless Regenerating Essence ~ sample (10 samples for 2,800 Won - approx. $2.40 USD). I just purchased a sample set from Tester Korea because I really wanted to try this out! Su:m37 is an expensive brand, so these sample packs are a good way to try them out!Repurchase: I will decide once I'm done my samples..

Magis Lene Cell Precieux Kit4 Cream ~ sample.This came in a Mishibox with a toner/emulsion combo - this sample was quite small. I didn't think the cream was anything special.Repurchase: NoLioele Pore Clean & tightening Dr. Ampoule ~ sample (full size is $17.91). This was okay - I don't think it was the right match for my skin type though, so I wasn't really a big fan. It was okay, just not for me.Repurchase: NoThe Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer ~ sample (full size is $25). Say goodbye to grumpy, dull, fatigued looking skin and reveal your natural, healthy-looking glow with our Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser.I love the texture of this gel cream moisturizer - I love this for a day lotion. It made my skin look and feel great!Repurchase: Yes, I want to try more!

Magis Lene Cell Precieux Kit4 - Toner~ sample size 5ml for $2.71 (full size is 120ml for $65). This luxurious and highly concentrated toner made with caramel and colloidal gold provides both whitening and wrinkle care functions.This was a fine toner, but for $65 full size this should have blown my mind - still not as good as my Bath Time Box Rose Toner.Repurchase: Not for $65...Magis Lene Cell Precieux Kit4 - Emulsion~ sample size 5ml for $2.88 (full size 120ml for $69). The luxurious and highly concentrated emulsion from the same Cell Precieux line also provides both whitening and wrinkle care functions. Use together with the bunus serum and cream samples for the best results. Again, for the price this should have been outstanding - it was fine. I have better emulsions for 1/4 of the price. I'm not always cheap with skincare, but this didn't match up to the price point in my opinion.Repurchase: NoCaudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum ~ sample (full size is $52). An oil-free serum that captures and continually diffuses water deep within the skin to restore its moisture balance and leave skin feeling soft and supple.I got this in a swap and I actually really liked it - I thought this serum worked well at night time for my skin. I have dry skin so this offered a lot of moisture and made my skin nice and soft!Repurchase: Hmm... maybe? How about I get more samples instead!!Holika Holika Skin & Good Cera Ultra Emulsion ~ sample (full size is $28). Fresh & mild lotion that keep skin moisturized and and soft without stickiness. This sample looked like it would get a few uses out of it but it was not very full - I got 2 uses out of it! I did like the emulsion though, it was nice and light.Repurchase: Probably not, there just wasn't enough to see if I really liked itHolika Holika Skin & Good Cera Ultra Toner ~ sample (full size is $28). As the first step of basic skin care it moisturizes dry and tired skin. This was a decent toner - it did add some good moisture, this sample just only had 2 uses, so it's hard to say how great it is! Repurchase: At this time, No

Cranberry Festive Face Mask ~ $8.95. A festive face mask inspired by traditional Christmas ingredients to deep cleanse, soften and nourish skin. When you're exposed to dry winter air outdoors and heating indoors, skin can feel parched and look a little dull. Indulge in a healthy dose of antioxidant cranberries and cleansing fennel seed infusion to brighten, while argan oil and rose clay leave skin looking matte and feeling luxuriously soft.I have reviewed this a couple of times on the blog - here is the Skincare Sunday post on it. I did like this - it made my skin feel great, but remember Lush masks are messy to rinse off! Repurchase: YesLush Dream Cream - Hand And Body Lotion ~ smaller size (full size is $27.95). What makes Dream Cream so effective? It contains every ingredient nature makes for soothing sore skin! One of our proudest product achievements ever, we love this body lotion because it makes people happy. The calming blend of oat milk, lavender and chamomile goes to work soothing sensitive skin. Olive oil and cocoa butter are perfectly suited and incredibly effective for dry or chapped skin, and are especially gentle for even the most sensitive types. Do your skin a favor, treat it right with Dream Cream.I think this is a smaller size as I must have got it in a gift set! This is a really great lotion - the smell is nice and light and the lotion worked well. I think my favorite is still Sympathy for the Skin.Repurchase: Maybe, but heart belongs to another Lush lotionFlirty Floral Bubble Bar ~ $7.50. These fun and flirty bubble bars feature skin loving oils, water softening baking soda and a delightful floral scent reminiscent off jasmine and Frangipani. So delightful. Crumble 1/4 of a bar under running water for a bubbilicious soak! I got this in a past Bath Time Box and I was excited to use it because I love bubble bars - I also love that this can be used up to 4 times (I used it in 3 because I love bubbles!) This smelled good and it worked well!Repurchase: LikelyHappy Hippo Shower Spritzer - Happiness ~ $3.99. Stimulate your senses by creating an aromatic steam room of specialty blended mood fragrances with Cranberry & Lemon. I found these at a craft fair last year and got a couple of different scents - they are great, throw them on the shower floor in a corner and they last a few showers. The scent of this one was awesome! So bright and perfect for a morning shower! Repurchase: yesLush Don’t Rain On My Parade Shower Gel ~ sample size (full size is $9.99 and up). Blast the rain clouds away with freshly squeezed blueberry juice, Fairtrade vanilla pod and violet leaf infusions, stirred into one parade-stopping gel. Make your showers show-stopping every time with this star-quality infused gel, which will leave your skin perfumed with the sweet smell of success (and violets). We just can't get enough.I was really expecting to love the scent of this shower gel and I did not - it was weird and hard to explain but not for me! The shower gel itself worked well.Repurchase: Not this scentLush Angels on Bare Skin Face And Body Cleanser ~ sample size (full size is $13.95 and up). For heavenly soft and perfectly balanced skin, take a bit of Angels on Bare Skin, mix with a little water and massage all over your face and body. The kaolin clay base deep-cleanses while finely ground almonds and lavender flowers gently exfoliate away dry skin. We add lavender oil to soothe and balance, and rose absolute to calm redness. If it’s smooth, radiant skin you’re after, this is the cleanser for you!I really loved this sample - I don't use an exfoliating moisturizer too often, but I really enjoyed this one!! It went on quite smooth and made my skin feel super clean! Repurchase: Yes, I want to try more! Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub ~ sample size (full size is $22.95). Rub Rub Rub is a bit of a variation on the normal shower gel. For one, it’s so thick we put it into a tub for handy scooping in the shower. Secondly, it’s a bright blue, supremely softening, exfoliating sea salt shower scrub to revive your skin. Sea salt is extra cleansing, mineral-rich and softening for the body; you can even use it as a shampoo in a pinch! Our rubby scrub is startlingly refreshing, with a dash of lemon juice and the tropical scent of mimosa blossoms for a light, blossom-scented wash and smoother skin.I liked this scrub - it was nice and thick and worked really well! Also, it smells delightful! Repurchase: Actually, I still have a full size one to use!

Lush Peeping Santa Bubble Bar ~ $6.95. Have you been naughty or nice this year? Only Peeping Santa knows for sure, so you should probably crumble him up in your tub before he tells everyone your secrets! Made with hand-churned shea butter from the Ojoba women's cooperative in Ghana and creamy fair trade cocoa butter, this bubbler will keep winter skin soft and smelling like sweet summer strawberries. What more could you ask for this Christmas?This smells soooo good - my husband had a Peeping Santa for me in my stocking! I loved this!!! So many bubbles!! Repurchase: Yes if they release it again next Christmas! Lush Dashing Santa Bath Bomb ~ $5.25. Make a dash for this moving bath bomb with a cheerful and uplifting scent of satsumas at Christmas. Watch Santa fly about your bath as his golden boots fizz away, releasing toning mandarin oil, bergamot oil and orange flower absolute that help put a spring in your step, too.Oh I loved this too - he sure did dash all over the bath! It was fun! The smell was good, maybe not my favorite but this was fun!Repurchase: Probably next year with the Christmas stuff!

Benefit Cosmetics Fake-Up Undereye Hydrating Concealer ~ $31. An ultra-hydrating crease-control concealer. The applicator on this concealer was really different - think of those razors with the moisture ring around them and that's what this had (I don't know if that's the greatest comparison but it's all I got..). When I first got this quite a while ago, I really loved it, but after a few uses I really started to hate the applicator and I just didn't think overall that this offered enough coverage for my liking - it was a little on the light side. But i'm actually excited I made it through a whole concealer! Repurchase: NoCovergirl The Super Sizer by LashBlast Mascara ~ $8.99. The Super Sizer by LashBlast Mascara gives you 400% more corner-to-corner volume for full, fanned out lashes. Our amazing Lash Styler transforms even small lashes— just twirl as you apply it to your lashes for an instantly Super Sized lash look. Opthalmologically tested, suitable for those who wear contact lenses. I have done a full review of this mascara - you can check it out here! I found this mascara really clumpy on me - I had to use it with a few other mascaras to try and make it work. Repurchase: NoUrban Decay Perversion Mascara ~ sample (full size is $26). An ultracreamy, lengthening, and volumizing mascara for stand-out lashes. I think I have received this in 2 past boxes - Ipsy and Beauty Box 5. When I got it in Ipsy, I loved it! It was some of my favorite mascara; but, this sample was not good. I have changed my mind. The formula is so wet and goopy, it made my lashes very clumpy. Again, I had to mix it with other mascaras to make it work. I prefer my mascara a little on the dry side so my lashes don't clump! Repurchase: NoOkay well I think I did pretty good on empties overall - 37 products overall! Seems like a lot, but I did use a ton of samples! I am trying to make an effort to use some every month so they don't pile up endlessly!! Now last month I explained that I actually hate tossing out products - hence me using mascara I hate instead of just throwing it away. My purge last month inspired me to do a proper one this month - actually test and swatch everything to make sure it's still good. With that came a few more tosses - here is a look!

Fig + Yarrow Cardamom and Coffee Body Scrub~ $22 travel size. CARDAMOM + COFFEE BODY SCRUB is a deliciously invigorating blend of firming, exfoliating and antioxidizing ingredients for smooth and supple skin.I received this a while ago in the My Subscription Addiction Quarterly box. At first I liked but it leaves this awful brown sticky residue on your skin that you seriously need to follow this with another exfoliator to remove it! It was not pleasant at all - no residue for me thanks.Repurchase: NoNicka K New York Eyelight Crayon in Violet~ full size $4.49. Effortlessly impart a rich wash of color with our Eye Light Crayons. Smooth, buttery and silky, these cream shadows easily glide across lids as either a bold liner or can be blended out as an ideal overall lid shade or base.I received this in a past Beauty Box 5 and thought I would use it - I like a colourful eyeliner, but this has such little pigmentation and is just blah.Repurchase: NoA Touch of Shimmer Lotion Bar ~ $10. Your skin will thank you for rubbing in this moisturizing lotion bar made from Cocoa and Shea butters with beeswax and other skin loving oils and a hint of Coconut Lime Fragrance.Now I normally love all of my lotions from Bath Time Box, but I could not get this stick to work for me! It was too hard and did not soften in to the skin.Repurchase: NoMacQueen Concealer Dual Veil #23~ full size $14.I received this in my Cinderella Memebox - and surprisingly the color worked well for me. What did not work well was both formulas - the stick and the liquid. I could not get either to blend in well and they always looked thick and cakey and settled in to my lines.Repurchase: NoQuo Eyeshadow Trio "Aquarelle" ~ price ?.I received this in a swap and thought the colours would be fun to use, unfortunately the shadows themselves had no pigmentation and were very chalky. Repurchase: NoAu Naturale Creme Eye Shadow in White Quartz ~$20. Au Naturale's makeup is organic, non-toxic, gluten-free, paraben-free, vegan, non-nano, and made is the USA at a certified USDA Organic Facility.I received this in the My Subscription Addiction Quarterly box, and while I'm not a huge cream eyeshadow person, I did try and make this work, but the color was very stark and unblendable - just did not wear well.Repurchase: NoMullein & Sparrow Mini Lip and Cheek Tint~ full "mini" size $10. The Mullein & Sparrow Mini Lip & Cheek Tint is an all-natural, sheer, tinted balm that gives your lips and cheeks a slight flush and dewy finish. Apply desired amount to lips for nourishment, protection, and color. Dab a small amount on cheeks as a light cream blush. It’s perfect for beauty on-the-go; it brightens the whole face with a sheer rosey flush for the cheeks, gloss for the lips, and a sweet orange scent!So this is not a good cheek tint - it legitimately has no pigmentation whatsoever, but I did use it as a lip gloss. The smell was not nice at all, but I managed as a bed time lip balm, but seriously this dried up so quickly it is unusable now and I have not had it very long! Repurchase: NoCoastal Scents Forever Blush~ sample size (full size is $5 and up). Two perfectly pigmented shades of Forever Blush for a long-lasting rush of color. I believe I received this in an old ipsy bag - at first I didn't mind the sample size and I actually still like the colors I received - they were well pigmented; but, the problem really is the packaging. You cannot get a blush brush in there without picking up the other color. Repurchase: I would still try Coastal Scents blushes as I liked the formula, I probably won't be buying it any time soon though! Medusa's Makeup Eyeshadow in "Midnight Oil"~ full size $8. Medusa’s Make-Up pressed eye shadow collection is a highly pigmented mineral pressed powder with micro sparkles. For best results, apply “Stick it” primer then apply with a brush.I received this in a past Topbox - it is a really different color with shimmer. I thought it would be fun to use; but, the formula is not good. The shadow really lacks color pigmentation and is essentially just shimmer, which doesn't make it useable.Repurchase: NoEmani Hybrid Cream in "Speechless"~ full size $18. Multidimensional eye shadow allows you to create a variety of custom looks.Ugh, it's formulas like this that remind me why I don't like cream eyeshadows. This one was especially weird because it came with a ton of different colors all over that you had to blend together. The problem is they didn't blend in to one shade and I could swatch it 5 times and each time it would look different - that would not be good for a eye look! (I got this in a Vegan Cuts Beauty Box).Repurchase: NeverBellapierre Cosmetics Cheek and Lip Stain in "Pink"~ sample size 0.176 for $11.35 (full size is 0.31 oz for $19.99). Unlike traditional stains that are hard to apply, this oil-free Cheek and Lip Stain will finish off any look with great ease and is super blend-able.I got this in a past Beauty Box 5 and loved it - it blended really well on my cheeks and I loved the color. But again, one of the reasons I don't like cream cosmetics - the formula started to get goopyish as it dried, which made it much harder to apply and then it stops looking as nice. Repurchase: No

Alright, so in addition to all my empties I purged 11 more products. I am all set now, I don't think I will have anything else to purge for a while! Now my makeup collections feels better! I'd say overall December was a good month for using up products!